SELAVE — Low-Intensity Multi-Focused Ultrasound (LIMFU)
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — SELAVE is built on LIMFU, low-intensity multi-focused ultrasound. Unlike HIFU, which works by heat, LIMFU works through mechanical stimulation of tissue without raising temperature to the level that causes thermal injury.
LIMFU and HIFU are different in principle
| Item | LIMFU (SELAVE) | HIFU |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | Low intensity | High intensity, focused |
| Energy type | Mechanical stimulation by pulsed acoustic wave | Thermal energy delivered by ultrasound |
| Target mechanism | Tissue regeneration and remodelling through mechanotransduction | Coagulative necrosis of fat cells and thermal injury above about 56°C |
| Purpose | Collagen formation and circulation across skin layers, with minimal discomfort | Reduction of deep subcutaneous fat |
They are not competing versions of the same thing. Where the goal is deep structural lifting, HIFU remains the appropriate choice; see the lifting programme.
What mechanotransduction is used for
- Cell and growth factor stimulation
- Associated with proliferation and activity of fibroblasts and stem cells.
- Firmness and fine lines
- Associated with improvement in skin elasticity and the appearance of fine lines.
- Muscle tension and contour
- Reduction of excessive facial muscle tension, supporting a more natural contour.
- Circulation
- Stimulation of blood and lymphatic microcirculation, associated with reduced facial lymphoedema and fat metabolism.
These are the mechanisms described for the technology. Individual response varies.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 30 to 40 minutes depending on area |
| Anaesthesia | Not usually required |
| Mechanism | Non-thermal; mechanical stimulation by low-intensity multi-focused acoustic wave |
| Recovery / downtime | None |
| Discomfort | Low, because the mechanism does not rely on heat |
| Sessions | Usually staged in a series; interval set at consultation |
| Suggested stay | No downtime — Cellon suggests at least 3 days in Seoul |
| Directed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist |
How the procedure works
- Consultation — skin condition, muscle tension, and treatment goal are assessed.
- Cleansing and application of coupling medium.
- Multi-focus acoustic wave delivered across the treatment area.
- Post-treatment skincare guidance; normal activity resumes immediately.
- Review between sessions according to response.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults who want firmness and circulation support with minimal discomfort and no downtime, or who find heat-based devices difficult to tolerate.
- Limited benefit
- LIMFU does not produce the deep structural lifting that HIFU targets, and it does not reduce deep subcutaneous fat. Where significant laxity is the issue, an energy-based lifting programme is more appropriate.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy, active skin infection at the treatment site, implanted electronic devices in the treatment area, open wounds. Confirmed at consultation.
- Side effects
- Transient redness and a mild warm sensation. Because the mechanism is non-thermal, thermal injury is not the expected risk profile. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from Ultherapy or other HIFU devices?
The mechanism is different, not just the intensity. HIFU uses heat to cause controlled injury; LIMFU uses mechanical stimulation without that thermal step. The comparison table above sets out the differences.
Does it hurt?
Discomfort is low because the effect does not depend on heating tissue. Anaesthesia is not usually required.
Is there downtime?
No. Normal activity resumes immediately.
Will it replace my lifting treatment?
Not for deep structural lifting. Where the goal is lifting lax tissue, HIFU and RF remain the appropriate tools. SELAVE is used for skin-level firmness and circulation.
How many sessions are needed?
It is usually staged in a series rather than done once. The number and interval depend on skin condition and goal.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. It is often used alongside laser or injection treatments, with sequencing decided at consultation.
Regulatory references
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Non-Surgical Lifting Program (HIFU + RF)
- Related: Exosome Treatment